Roping practice apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a mechanical roping apparatus and method for practicing animal roping, including an animal assembly comprising a front, a rear, and a frame; a leg assembly including leg members mounted at the rear of the animal assembly; one or more indicia selected from a vibrational cue, a visual cue, or an auditory cue, wherein the one or more indicia are configured to indicate to the user a proper time to rope a leg member using proper roping technique; two or more wheels or skids; and an arena float connected to the animal assembly, the arena float comprising: a float connector connected to the animal assembly; a float arm rotatably connected to the float connector to rotate in a vertical plane, the float arm comprising one or more float arm segments; and a leveler connected to the float arm and configured to level material of an arena surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/820,222 filed on Mar. 16, 2020, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/802,234 filed on Nov. 2, 2017 and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/416,518, filed Nov. 2, 2016, the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

None.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of roping practicedevices, and more particularly, to a novel rodeo training apparatus andmethod for rope training with indicia that direct the user when to lassothe legs of the animal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is describedin connection with roping practice devices.

One such invention is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,947,033, issued toBennett and entitled, “Steer roping training device.” Briefly, thisinventor teaches a mechanical device having the general appearance of asteer for use in practicing steer roping. The device consists of a basesection having a pair of spaced wheels mounted at the back thereof and abody section having at least one wheel mounted at the front, and thebase and body sections are interconnected so as to permit pivotalmovement of the body section relative to the base section about ahorizontal axis to give the body section a life-like lean attitude whenroped by the horns and towed by a horse.

Another such invention is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,775, issued toDonnelly entitled “Roping practice apparatus”. Briefly, this inventorteaches a roping practice apparatus that includes a simulated steerassembly for roping practice, having a base with a vertical supportmechanism mounted on the base; a body mounted on the vertical supportmechanism and having a front end, a back end, a left side and a rightside; legs mounted on the back end of the body; a head portion mountedon the front end so that the head pivots toward the left side whenroped; a rocker arm mounted on the vertical support mechanism; a springand cable system connecting each of the legs to the rocker arm formoving the legs backward and forward; and a power source operativelyconnected to the rocker arm. The assembly may be towed or may beradio-controlled.

Another such invention is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,689, issued toCopenhaver and entitled, “Steer roping practice apparatus with enhancedleg roping simulation.” Briefly, this inventor teaches a mechanicalroping steer apparatus for practicing roping of a steer and may comprisea steer assembly having a front and a rear. The steer assembly compriseda frame and a leg assembly mounted on the frame and including at leastone leg member being movable with respect to the frame, the at least oneleg member having a lower end movable along an arc. The steer apparatusalso comprises an actuation assembly configured to engage a groundsurface below the steer assembly and move the at least one leg memberwhen the steer assembly is moved across the ground surface. The steerapparatus may also include a rope deflection assembly configured todeflect a rope from looping about the at least one leg member for atleast a forward portion of the arc of movement of the leg lower end.

Another such invention is taught in U.S. Patent Publication No.20140193785, filed by McCarthy, and entitled “Roping Dummy Apparatus.”Briefly, this applicant teaches a team roping dummy that encourages morecorrect roping. The dummy has a relatively compact main body withcollapsible legs, removable head, and internal body storage for head. Inorder to aid in the rope's loop expansion and ease of removal, the legscollapse toward one another under the pressure of a tightened rope, andre-expand after rope is loosened. The back legs extend at proper angleof heel loop swing, causing the roper to match the angle of the loopduring its swing to the angle of the legs and provides a visual line tomatch the plane of the loop. The dummy has removable and rotatable hornsallowing for different horn sizes, shapes, and angles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a mechanical ropingapparatus for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising: ananimal assembly having a front, a rear, and a pivot that provides an upand down motion at the rear of the animal assembly to simulate a hoppingmotion by the animal; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frameand including leg members that are movable with respect to the frame tosimulate a running motion; an actuation assembly configured to move theleg members from a forward position when the leg members touch theground, during a stride such that the legs are in contact with theground until they reach a rear facing position and the leg members areraised from the ground and kick; and the leg members are off the groundfrom the rear position to the front position; and one or more indiciathat indicates to the user when the leg members are in an optimalposition for roping. In one aspect, the indicia are selected from atleast one of a visual, an auditory, or a vibrational cue. In anotheraspect, the indicia are an auditory or a vibrational cue that is carriedby the user. In another aspect, the indicia indicates when the legmembers are not in an optimal position for roping. In another aspect,the indicia is visual and is selected from a light, a colored light, anLED, an OLED, is a light that changes colors, the light traverses fromthe top to the bottom of a string of lights and vice versa, the lightsare red and green, the light is intermittent, the light dims andintensifies, or the light pulses to indicate the correct time to ropethe leg members. In another aspect, the leg members are defined furtheras comprising an ankle and a hock, wherein a visible indicia ispositioned between the ankles and the hock, between the ankles and therear of the animal assembly, between the hock and the rear of the animalassembly, on the rear of the animal assembly, or combinations thereof.In another aspect, the leg assembly is configured such that the lowerend of at least one of the legs of the leg members contacts the groundsurface for at least a portion of an arc of movement of the leg lowerend in a manner that prevents a rope from looping about the at least oneleg. In another aspect, at least one of the leg members comprises a footextension member extending from the lower end of the at least one legmember for contacting the ground surface during at least a portion ofthe generally pivotal movement of the leg members. In another aspect,the leg members are coated or wrapped with a surface that simulates thehide of the animal. In another aspect, the indicia is turned on when theleg members are about the most rearward position and the indicia turnsoff at the top of the hop when the leg members are generallyperpendicular to the ground. In another aspect, a hopping motion of theanimal assembly, the forward and rearward movement of the leg members,or both, is driven mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically,magnetically, or electrically. In another aspect, the animal assemblyfurther comprises removable and rotatable horns at the front of theanimal assembly allowing for different horn sizes, shapes, and angles.In another aspect, the animal assembly is pulled from a tow bar or isself-propelling. In another aspect, a wheel assembly is positioned atthe front of the animal assembly in contact with the ground, and 2, 3,or 4 wheels are positioned to the right, left, or both of a longitudinalcenterline of the animal. In another aspect, the animal is bovine,ovine, equine, or swine. In another aspect, the actuation assemblyincludes: a wheel rotatably mounted on the frame in contact with theground; and a linkage connecting the wheel to the leg assembly such thatrotation of the wheel by the ground when the animal assembly is movedover the ground surface is transferred to the leg assembly to pivot theat least one leg member.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method forpracticing animal roping comprising: providing an animal assembly, theanimal assembly having: a front, a rear, and a pivot that provides an upand down motion at the rear of the animal assembly to simulate a hoppingmotion by the animal; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frameand including one or more leg members that are movable with respect tothe frame to simulate a running motion; an actuation assembly configuredto move the leg members from a forward position when the leg memberstouch the ground, during a stride such that the legs are in contact withthe ground until they reach a rear facing position and the leg membersare raised from the ground and kick; and the leg members are off theground from the rear position to the front position; and one or moreindicia that indicates to the user when the leg members are in anoptimal position for roping, and then they are not accessible for ropingand then the legs are accessible for roping; pulling the animal assemblyto simulate the running motion of the animal; and providing the indiciaat the optimal position for roping the leg members. In one aspect, theindicia are selected from at least one of a visual, an auditory, or avibrational cue. In another aspect, the indicia are an auditory or avibrational cue that is carried by the user. In another aspect, theindicia shows when the leg members are not in an optimal position forroping. In another aspect, the indicia is visual and is selected from alight, a colored light, an LED, an OLED, is a light that changes colors,the light traverses from the top to the bottom of a string of lights andvice versa, the lights are red and green, the light is intermittent, thelight dims and intensifies, or the light pulses to indicate the correcttime to rope the leg members. In another aspect, the leg members aredefined further as comprising an ankle and a hock, wherein a visibleindicia is positioned between the ankles and the hock, between theankles and the rear of the animal assembly, between the hock and therear of the animal assembly, on the rear of the animal assembly, orcombinations thereof In another aspect, the leg assembly is configuredsuch that the lower end of at least one of the legs of the leg memberscontacts the ground surface for at least a portion of an arc of movementof the leg lower end in a manner that prevents a rope from looping aboutthe at least one leg. In another aspect, at least one of the leg memberscomprises a foot extension member extending from the lower end of the atleast one leg member for contacting the ground surface during at least aportion of the generally pivotal movement of the leg members. In anotheraspect, the leg members are coated or wrapped with a surface thatsimulates the hide of the animal. In another aspect, the indicia isturned on when the leg members are about the most rearward position andthe indicia turns off at the top of the hop when the leg members aregenerally perpendicular to the ground. In another aspect, the hoppingmotion of the animal assembly, the movement of the leg members, or both,is driven mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically.In another aspect, the animal assembly further comprises removable androtatable horns at the front of the animal assembly allowing fordifferent horn sizes, shapes, and angles. In another aspect, the animalassembly is pulled from a tow bar or is self-propelling. In anotheraspect, a wheel assembly is positioned at the front of the animalassembly in contact with the ground, and 2, 3, or 4 wheels arepositioned to the right, left, or both of a longitudinal centerline ofthe animal. In another aspect, the animal is bovine, ovine, equine, orswine. In another aspect, the actuation assembly includes: a wheelrotatably mounted on the frame in contact with the ground; and a linkageconnecting the wheel to the leg assembly such that rotation of the wheelby the ground when the animal assembly is moved over the ground surfaceis transferred to the leg assembly to pivot the at least one leg member.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a mechanical steerroping apparatus for practicing steer roping, the apparatus comprising:a steer assembly having a front, a rear, and a pivot that provides an upand down motion at the rear of the steer assembly to simulate a hoppingmotion by the steer; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame andincluding leg members that are movable with respect to the frame tosimulate a running motion; an actuation assembly configured to move theleg members from a forward position when the leg members touch theground, during a stride such that the legs are in contact with theground until they reach a rear facing position and the leg members areraised from the ground and kick; and the leg members are off the groundfrom the rear position to the front position; and one or more indiciathat indicated to a user when the leg members are in an optimal positionfor roping, wherein the optimal position for roping the legs and whenthe indicia shows the optimal position is when the legs are fullyextended until the leg members are perpendicular to the ground as theleg members to the ground during a hop.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method of makinga mechanical steer roping apparatus for practicing steer roping, theapparatus comprising: providing a steer assembly having a front, a rear,and a pivot that provides an up and down motion at the rear of the steerassembly to simulate a hopping motion by the steer; adding a legassembly mounted at the rear of the frame and including leg members thatare movable with respect to the frame to simulate a running motion;including an actuation assembly configured to move the leg members froma forward position when the leg members touch the ground, during astride such that the legs are in contact with the ground until theyreach a rear facing position and the leg members are raised from theground and kick; and the leg members are off the ground from the rearposition to the front position; and positioning one or more indicia thatindicates to a user when the leg members are in an optimal position forroping, wherein the optimal position for roping the legs and when theindicia shows the optimal position is when the legs are fully extendeduntil the leg members are perpendicular to the ground as the leg membersto the ground during a hop.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a mechanicalroping apparatus for practicing steer roping of an animal, the apparatuscomprising: a steer assembly having a front, a rear, and a pivot thatprovides an up and down motion at the rear of the animal assembly tosimulate a hopping motion by the animal; a leg assembly mounted at therear of the frame and including leg members that are movable withrespect to the frame to simulate a running motion; an actuation assemblyconfigured to move the leg members from a forward position when the legmembers touch the ground, during a stride such that the legs are incontact with the ground until they reach a rear facing position and theleg members are raised from the ground and kick; and the leg members areoff the ground from the rear position to the front position; and a wheelassembly positioned at the front of the animal assembly in contact withthe ground, and 2, 3, or 4 wheels are positioned to the right, left, orboth of a longitudinal centerline of the animal.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a mechanicalroping apparatus for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising:an animal assembly comprising a front, a rear, a frame, and a pivot thatprovides an up and down motion at the rear of the frame to simulate ahopping motion by an animal; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of theframe and including leg members that are movable with respect to theanimal assembly to simulate a running motion; and an actuation assemblyconfigured to move the leg members from a forward position when the legmembers touch the ground, during a stride such that the leg members arein contact with the ground until they reach a rear facing position andthe leg members are raised from the ground and kick; and the leg membersare off the ground from the rear position to the front position. In oneaspect, the mechanical roping apparatus further comprises one or moreindicia that indicate when the leg members are in an optimal positionfor roping. In another aspect, the one or more indicia are selected fromat least one of a visual, an auditory, or a vibrational cue, and if theone or more indicia are an auditory or a vibrational cue the one or moreindicia are optionally carried by the user. In another aspect, the oneor more indicia show when the leg members are not in an optimal positionfor roping. In another aspect, the one or more indicia are visual andare selected from a light, a colored light, an LED, an OLED, is a lightthat changes colors, the light traverses from the top to the bottom of astring of lights and vice versa, the lights are red and green, the lightis intermittent, the light dims and intensifies, or the light pulses toindicate the correct time to rope the leg members. In another aspect,the one or more indicia are turned on when the leg members are about themost rearward position and the one or more indicia turn off at the topof the hop when the leg members are generally perpendicular to theground. In another aspect, the one or more indicia show a user when theleg members are in an optimal position for roping, wherein the optimalposition for roping the leg members is when the leg members are fullyextended until the leg members are perpendicular to the ground. Inanother aspect, the mechanical roping apparatus further comprises one ormore lights to provide a focal point. In another aspect, the leg membersare defined further as comprising an ankle and a hock, wherein a visibleindicia is positioned between the ankles and the hock, between theankles and the rear of the animal assembly, between the hock and therear of the animal assembly, on the rear of the animal assembly, orcombinations thereof, or optionally the leg assembly is configured suchthat the lower end of at least one of the legs of the leg memberscontacts the ground surface for at least a portion of an arc of movementof the leg lower end in a manner that prevents a rope from looping aboutthe at least one leg, or optionally at least one of the leg memberscomprises a foot extension member extending from the lower end of the atleast one leg member for contacting the ground surface during at least aportion of the generally pivotal movement of the leg members, oroptionally the leg members are coated or wrapped with a surface thatsimulates the hide of the animal. In another aspect, a hopping motion ofthe animal assembly, the forward and rearward movement of the legmembers, or both, is driven mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically,magnetically, or electrically. In another aspect, the animal assemblyfurther comprises removable and rotatable horns at the front of theanimal assembly allowing for different horn sizes, shapes, and angles,and optionally the animal assembly is pulled from a tow bar or isself-propelling, or optionally the animal is bovine, ovine, equine, orswine. In another aspect, a wheel assembly is positioned at the front ofthe animal assembly in contact with the ground, and 2, 3, or 4 or morewheels are positioned to the right, left, or both of a longitudinalcenterline of the animal. In another aspect, the actuation assemblyincludes: a wheel rotatably mounted on the frame in contact with theground; and a linkage connecting the wheel to the leg assembly such thatrotation of the wheel by the ground when the animal assembly is movedover the ground surface is transferred to the leg assembly to pivot atleast one leg member.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method forpracticing animal roping comprising: providing a mechanical ropingapparatus, the mechanical roping apparatus comprising: an animalassembly comprising a front, a rear, a frame, and a pivot that providesan up and down motion at the rear of the animal assembly to simulate ahopping motion by an animal; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of theframe and including one or more leg members that are movable withrespect to the frame to simulate a running motion; and an actuationassembly configured to move the leg members from a forward position whenthe leg members touch the ground, during a stride such that the legmembers are in contact with the ground until they reach a rear facingposition and the leg members are raised from the ground and kick; andthe leg members are off the ground from the rear position to the frontposition; pulling the animal assembly to simulate the running motion ofthe animal; and operating the actuation assembly. In one aspect, themethod further comprises providing one or more indicia that indicatewhen the leg members are in an optimal position for roping. In anotheraspect, the one or more indicia are selected from at least one of avisual, an auditory, or a vibrational cue, and if the one or moreindicia are an auditory or a vibrational cue the one or more indicia areoptionally carried by the user. In another aspect, the one or moreindicia show when the leg members are not in an optimal position forroping. In another aspect, the one or more indicia are visual and areselected from a light, a colored light, an LED, an OLED, is a light thatchanges colors, the light traverses from the top to the bottom of astring of lights and vice versa, the lights are red and green, the lightis intermittent, the light dims and intensifies, or the light pulses toindicate the correct time to rope the leg members. In another aspect,the one or more indicia are turned on when the leg members are about themost rearward position and the one or more indicia turn off at the topof the hop when the leg members are generally perpendicular to theground. In another aspect, the one or more indicia show a user when theleg members are in an optimal position for roping, wherein the optimalposition for roping the leg members is when the leg members are fullyextended until the leg members are perpendicular to the ground. Inanother aspect, the method further comprises providing one or morelights to provide a focal point. In another aspect, the leg members aredefined further as comprising an ankle and a hock, wherein a visibleindicia is positioned between the ankles and the hock, between theankles and the rear of the animal assembly, between the hock and therear of the animal assembly, on the rear of the animal assembly, orcombinations thereof, or optionally the leg assembly is configured suchthat the lower end of at least one of the legs of the leg memberscontacts the ground surface for at least a portion of an arc of movementof the leg lower end in a manner that prevents a rope from looping aboutthe at least one leg, or optionally at least one of the leg memberscomprises a foot extension member extending from the lower end of the atleast one leg member for contacting the ground surface during at least aportion of the generally pivotal movement of the leg members, oroptionally the leg members are coated or wrapped with a surface thatsimulates the hide of the animal. In another aspect, the hopping motionof the animal assembly, the movement of the leg members, or both, isdriven mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically. Inanother aspect, the animal assembly further comprises removable androtatable horns at the front of the animal assembly allowing fordifferent horn sizes, shapes, and angles, or optionally the animalassembly is pulled from a tow bar or is self-propelling, or optionallythe animal is bovine, ovine, equine, or swine. In another aspect, awheel assembly is positioned at the front of the animal assembly incontact with the ground, and 2, 3, or 4 or more wheels are positioned tothe right, left, or both of a longitudinal centerline of the animal. Inanother aspect, the actuation assembly includes: a wheel rotatablymounted on the frame in contact with the ground; and a linkageconnecting the wheel to the leg assembly such that rotation of the wheelby the ground when the animal assembly is moved over the ground surfaceis transferred to the leg assembly to pivot at least one leg member.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a mechanicalroping apparatus for practicing steer roping , the apparatus comprising:a steer assembly comprising a front, a rear, frame, and a pivot thatprovides an up and down motion at the rear of the frame to simulate ahopping motion by a steer; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of theframe and including leg members that are movable with respect to thesteer assembly to simulate a running motion; an actuation assemblyconfigured to move the leg members from a forward position when the legmembers touch the ground, during a stride such that the leg members arein contact with the ground until they reach a rear facing position andthe leg members are raised from the ground and kick; and the leg membersare off the ground from the rear position to the front position; and awheel assembly positioned at the front of the animal assembly in contactwith the ground, and 2, 3, or 4 or more wheels are positioned to theright, left, or both of a longitudinal centerline of the steer assembly.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a mechanicalroping apparatus for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising:an animal assembly comprising a front, a rear, and a frame; a legassembly mounted at the rear of the frame and including leg members; and2, 3, or 4 or more skids positioned to the right, left, or both of alongitudinal centerline of the animal assembly.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a mechanicalroping apparatus for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising:a stand; and a leg assembly mounted on the stand and including legmembers.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes method forpracticing animal roping comprising providing a mechanical ropingapparatus, the mechanical roping apparatus comprising: an animalassembly comprising a front, a rear, and a frame; a leg assembly mountedat the rear of the frame and including animal assembly leg members; and2, 3, or 4 or more wheels or skids positioned to the right, left, orboth of a longitudinal centerline of the animal assembly; or a stand anda leg assembly mounted on the stand and including stand leg members; andpracticing roping the animal assembly leg members or the stand legmembers.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a mechanicalroping apparatus for practicing animal roping including an animalassembly including a front, a rear, and a frame; a leg assembly mountedat the rear of the animal assembly-and including leg members; one ormore indicia selected from a vibrational cue carried by a user, a visualcue, or an auditory cue, wherein the one or more indicia are configuredto indicate to the user a proper time to rope a leg member using properroping technique; two or more wheels or skids positioned to the right,left, or both of a longitudinal centerline of the animal assembly; andan arena float connected to the animal assembly, the arena floatincluding a float connector connected to the animal assembly; a floatarm rotatably connected to the float connector at a proximate end of thefloat arm such that the float arm is configured to rotate in a verticalplane, the float arm including one float arm segment or two or morefloat arm segments, wherein the two or more float arm segments arerotatably connected in sequence such that each of the two or more floatarm segments are configured to rotate in the vertical plane; and aleveler connected to a distal end of the float arm and configured tocondition material of an arena surface ahead of the wheels or the skids.In one aspect, the float connector is a tow bar. In another aspect, thefloat arm includes wood, metal, or a combination thereof In anotheraspect, the one float arm segment or the two or more float arm segmentsare configured to be rotated and fixed in position to adjust a height ofthe leveler relative to the arena surface. In another aspect, the two ormore float arm segments are configured to be rotated and fixed to adjustan angle of the leveler relative to the arena surface. In anotheraspect, the leveler includes wood, metal, or a combination thereof. Inanother aspect, the leveler includes a rake with a plurality of tines; abrush with a plurality of bristles, wires, or filaments; a blade; asmooth surface; a roughened surface; or a combination thereof. Inanother aspect, the leveler is connected rotatably to the float arm andconfigured to roll over the arena surface as the apparatus is moved onthe arena surface. In another aspect, the apparatus further includes anindicia-actuation assembly including an indicia-actuation wheelrotatably mounted on the frame in contact with the ground, wherein theindicia-actuation wheel is configured to rotate as the apparatus ismoved over the ground; an indicia-actuation pulley system including apivot and quarter-circle plate rotatably mounted on the pivot andconnected to the indicia-actuation wheel, wherein the quarter-circleplate is configured to rotate as the indicia-actuation wheel rotates;and an indicia-actuation switch connected to the quarter-circle plateand to the one or more indicia and configured to operate the one or moreindicia as the quarter-circle plate rotates.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a leveler kitincluding an arena float configured to be connected to a mechanicalroping apparatus, the arena float including a float arm rotatablyconnected to the float connector at a proximate end of the float armsuch that the float arm is configured to rotate in a vertical plane, thefloat arm including one float arm segment or two or more float armsegments, wherein the two or more float arm segments are configured tobe rotatably connected in sequence such that each of the two or morefloat arm segments are configured to rotate in the vertical plane; and aleveler configured to be connected to a distal end of the float arm andconfigured to condition material of an arena surface ahead of the wheelsor the skids; and one or more fasteners configured to connect the floatarm to a float connector of a mechanical roping apparatus, to connectthe two or more float arm segments in sequence, or to connect theleveler to the float arm. In one aspect, the float arm includes wood,metal, or a combination thereof. In another aspect, the one float armsegment or the two or more float arm segments are configured to berotated and fixed in position to adjust a height of the leveler relativeto the arena surface. In another aspect, the two or more float armsegments are configured to be rotated and fixed to adjust an angle ofthe leveler relative to the arena surface. In another aspect, theleveler includes wood, metal, or a combination thereof. In anotheraspect, the leveler includes a rake with a plurality of tines; a brushwith a plurality of bristles, wires, or filaments; a blade; a smoothsurface; a roughened surface; or a combination thereof. In anotheraspect, the leveler is connected rotatably to the float arm andconfigured to roll over the arena surface as the apparatus is moved onthe arena surface. In another aspect, the kit further includes the floatconnector, wherein the float connector is configured to be connected tothe mechanical roping apparatus and to the proximate end of the floatarm.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method ofconditioning an arena surface for a mechanical roping apparatus, themethod including providing the a mechanical roping apparatus forpracticing animal roping including an animal assembly including a front,a rear, and a frame; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the animalassembly-and including leg members; one or more indicia selected from avibrational cue carried by a user, a visual cue, or an auditory cue,wherein the one or more indicia are configured to indicate to the user aproper time to rope a leg member using proper roping technique; two ormore wheels or skids positioned to the right, left, or both of alongitudinal centerline of the animal assembly; providing an arena floatconnected to the animal assembly, the arena float including a floatconnector connected to the animal assembly; a float arm rotatablyconnected to the float connector at a proximate end of the float armsuch that the float arm is configured to rotate in a vertical plane, thefloat arm including one float arm segment or two or more float armsegments, wherein the two or more float arm segments are rotatablyconnected in sequence such that each of the two or more float armsegments are configured to rotate in the vertical plane; and a levelerconnected to a distal end of the float arm and configured to conditionmaterial of an arena surface ahead of the wheels or the skids;connecting the arena float to the mechanical roping apparatus; adjustingthe height, angle, or both of the leveler relative to the arena surfaceto contact the arena surface; and moving the mechanical roping apparatuson the arena surface, thereby conditioning the arena surface with theleveler. In one aspect, the float connector is a tow bar. In anotheraspect, the float arm includes wood, metal, or a combination thereof. Inanother aspect, the one float arm segment or the two or more float armsegments are configured to be rotated and fixed in position to adjust aheight of the leveler relative to the arena surface. In another aspect,the two or more float arm segments are configured to be rotated andfixed to adjust an angle of the leveler relative to the arena surface.In another aspect, the leveler includes wood, metal, or a combinationthereof. In another aspect, the leveler includes a rake with a pluralityof tines; a brush with a plurality of bristles, wires, or filaments; ablade; a smooth surface; a roughened surface; or a combination thereofIn another aspect, the leveler is connected rotatably to the float armand configured to roll over the arena surface as the apparatus is movedon the arena surface.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a mechanicalroping apparatus for practicing animal roping including an animalassembly including a front, a rear, and a frame; a leg assembly mountedat the rear of the animal assembly-and including leg members; one ormore indicia selected from a vibrational cue carried by a user, a visualcue, or an auditory cue, wherein the one or more indicia are configuredto indicate to the user a proper time to rope a leg member using properroping technique; two or more wheels or skids positioned to the right,left, or both of a longitudinal centerline of the animal assembly; andan indicia-actuation assembly including an indicia-actuation wheelrotatably mounted on the frame in contact with the ground, wherein theindicia-actuation wheel is configured to rotate as the apparatus ismoved over the ground; an indicia-actuation pulley system including apivot and quarter-circle plate rotatably mounted on the pivot andconnected to the indicia-actuation wheel, wherein the quarter-circleplate is configured to rotate as the indicia-actuation wheel rotates;and an indicia-actuation switch connected to the quarter-circle plateand to the one or more indicia and configured to operate the one or moreindicia as the quarter-circle plate rotates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of thepresent invention, reference is now made to the detailed description ofthe invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a mechanical roping steer of the presentinvention in a first position at the end of a stride;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a mechanical roping steer of the presentinvention in a second position as the legs move from the rear toward thefront;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a mechanical roping steer of the presentinvention in a third position with the hip halfway down and the legs areall the way forward;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a mechanical roping steer of the presentinvention in a fourth position where the hip is all the way down and thelegs are mid stride;

FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of one implementation of the mechanismfor controlling the indicia, e.g., lights of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a mechanical roping steer of the presentinvention showing a mechanism for increasing the stability of themechanical roping steer;

FIG. 7 is a side view of still another mechanical roping apparatus ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of yet another mechanical roping apparatus of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an arena float for conditioning an arena surface toobtain a desired operating environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts thatcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of theinvention.

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms aredefined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understoodby a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the presentinvention. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to referto only a singular entity, but include the general class of which aspecific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein isused to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usagedoes not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.

The present invention improves on known steer roping practice devices byproviding the trainee with indicia of the best time to rope the hindlegs of an animal. The hind legs of the mechanical roping practiceapparatus are generally roped or lassoed when the hind leg or legs aremoving along a forward portion of the arc of movement, during a hop,until the rear legs are perpendicular to the ground as the legs moveforward. Even when it is possible to rope the hind legs at a positionforward from the position at which the rear legs are perpendicular tothe ground, it is not considered to be good roping technique. Thepresent invention can be used for a wide variety of roping applications.While the examples herein are shown with a steer as an exemplary animal,many other animals for which roping practice may be sought are alsoencompassed by the present invention, such as but not limited to,bovine, ovine, equine, swine, which animals can be young or full grown.The present invention is shown using a steer as an example, and thepresent invention includes mechanical training devices for any animalfor which roping practice is sought.

Unlike other known steer roping practice devices, in one embodiment thepresent invention provides a combination of movement of the legs alongthe ground and in the air, while at the same time mimicking the jumpingmotion of the steer. The present invention provides the indicia of whenthe proper roping technique is used by indicating the correct time torope the hind leg or legs, and then turns off when the incorrect timefor roping is indicated. Therefore, the user and observers of the ropingpractice can track if proper technique is applied, but also when thehind leg or legs are roped, reflecting incorrect roping technique.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a mechanical roping steer apparatus 10 ofthe present invention in a first position at the end of a stride and theinternal mechanisms therein. The body 12 of the mechanical roping steerapparatus 10 may include, e.g., the rest of the body of the steer suchas horns and optionally front legs (not depicted). The mechanical ropingsteer apparatus 10 can include a tow bar 14 and a wheel or wheels 16.The wheel or wheels 16 are connected via a belt 18 to a pulley system20. The wheel or wheels 16, belt 18, and pulley system 20 furthercontrol both the up and down motion of the body 12 along frame 24 of thesteer via pivot 22, but also the motion via pivot 26 of the hind legmember or leg members 28. During this portion of the jump and legextension cycle, the lights 30 are in the on position, which indicatesto the user that this is the proper time to rope the hind leg member orleg members 28 if following proper roping technique.

The indicium shown in the figures is light, however, the skilled artisanwill recognize that sound or vibration may also be used as one of theindicia, which indicia are not mutually exclusive, that is, more thanone indicium may be used at the same and/or different times. Anyvariation of the same is encompassed by the present invention, as arevarious positions (for visual cues) for the indicium. If using sound,for example, the sound can be varied to indicate the proper time to ropethe hind leg member or leg members 28, such as using a tone that changespitch, intermittent sound that indicates with an increase in pitch orvolume, or the presence or absence of sound, or any combination thereof,to indicate to the user when is the best time in the cycle to rope thehind leg member or leg members 28. The volume of the sound and/orintensity or rate of intermittent sound may be used to indicate to theuser when the proper time is approaching, during the duration of theproper roping time, when the time is ending, and when it is not propertechnique to rope. Likewise, the light or visual cue can be varied insimilar manner, e.g., with the lights on or off, with a change in therate of blinking of the light(s), by having a red (no-go) versus green(go), or even a spectrum of color and/or intensity to indicate to theuser when the proper time is approaching, during the duration of theproper roping time, when the time is ending, and when it is not propertechnique to rope. An example of a visual cue includes an indicator thathas up or down arrows, a flag, a wheel with one color for go and anotherfor stop, stop and go signaling, or other indicator whether mechanicalor in the form of a light (or both light and mechanical) that can beseen by the user during roping practice. Another indicium is vibration,which could be a device carried or worn by the user (non-limitingexamples including a smartphone, a smartwatch, and/or other dedicateddevice) that provide the user with vibration that indicates to the userwhen the proper time is approaching, during the duration of the properroping time, when the time is ending, and when it is not propertechnique to rope.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a mechanical roping steer apparatus 10 ofthe present invention in a second position as the steer apparatus isjumping and the hind leg member or leg members 28 are moving toward theforward position and showing the lights 30 on until the legs reach thepoint in the cycle when it is improper technique to rope the hind legmember or leg members 28.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a mechanical roping steer apparatus 10 ofthe present invention in a third position with the hip halfway down andthe legs are all the way forward, that is, when the hind leg member orleg members 28 are in the forward position and the frame 24 has broughtthe hind leg member or leg members 28 in contact with the ground androping is not proper and/or possible.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a mechanical roping steer apparatus 10 ofthe present invention in a fourth position where the hip 26 is all theway down and the hind leg member or leg members 28 are mid stride movingfrom front to back.

When viewed together, FIGS. 1 to 4 show that as the mechanical ropingsteer apparatus 10 is towed the wheel or wheels 16 turn the belt 18,which turns the pulley system 20. Two arms 32, 34 are attached to thepulley system 20 and one arm 32 makes legs travel forward/backwards andthe other arm 34 makes the hip 26 move up/down. The mechanical ropingsteer apparatus 10 pivots in the middle (pivot 22) of the frame 24.

FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of one implementation of the pulleysystem 20 for controlling the indicia, e.g., lights 30 of the presentinvention. A light switch 58 is triggered by the quarter circle plate 56on pulley system 20 about a pivot 52, that is on a wheel 54. The wheel54 can be connected to an arm 57 that transfers motion to other parts ofthe mechanical roping steer apparatus, such as the pivot that providesfor an up and down motion for the mechanical roping steer apparatus thatsimulates jumping. The indicia in the hind leg or legs come on with hindleg or legs in the fully extended rear position and/or until the top ofthe hop with hind leg or legs straight down (perpendicular to theground), at which point the indicia is reduced to zero or eliminated.For example, lights can be located on any part of the hind leg or legsor even the hip, anywhere on the mechanical roping steer apparatus, thehorns, the wheels, the tow bar, or even the device pulling themechanical roping steer apparatus. Generally, the lights will be locatedin a location that permits the user to best determine the optimalposition of the hind leg or legs for roping, e.g., from hock to ankle ofleg, the feet, on our about the lower, middle, upper portion of the hindleg or legs.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a mechanical roping steer apparatus 60 of thepresent invention showing a mechanism for increasing the stability ofthe mechanical roping steer. The mechanical roping steer apparatus 60depicted is shown from a rear view and includes, in this embodiment, sixwheels 62 a-62 f. It has been found that having more than two wheelsprovides for increased stability. For example, the mechanical ropingsteer apparatus 60 can include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or even 10 wheels ormore, which wheels can be evenly distributed between the right and leftside of the mechanical roping steer apparatus 60, or unevenlydistributed to provide more stability to one or the other side. It hasbeen found that the mechanical roping steer apparatus makes the sharpestcorners, as would a normal animal, using the extended tire design, e.g.,the 6 tire design. It was found that the mechanical roping steerapparatus has a lot more traction throughout the corner. It was furtherfound that when the mechanical roping steer apparatus tilts one way orthe other, one tire is always in contact with the ground and preventsthe hop from stalling throughout the corner.

A mechanical roping apparatus according to the present invention mayhave one or more lights to provide a focal point, instead of or inaddition to the lights 30.

A method for practicing animal roping according to the present inventionuses a mechanical roping apparatus with an animal assembly 12, a legassembly mounted on the animal assembly 12 and including leg members 28that are movable with respect to the animal assembly 12 to simulate arunning motion, an actuation assembly configured to move the leg members28 from a forward position when the leg members 28 touch the ground,during a stride such that the leg members 28 are in contact with theground until they reach a rear facing position and the leg members 28are raised from the ground and kick; and the leg members 28 are off theground from the rear position to the front position.

A mechanical roping apparatus for practicing roping of a steer accordingto the present invention may include a stand 80, a leg assembly attachedto or integral with the stand 80 and including leg members 28 that aremovable with respect to the stand 80 to simulate a running motion; andan actuation assembly configured to move the leg members 28 from aforward position when the leg members 28 touch the ground, during astride such that the leg members 28 are in contact with the ground untilthey reach a rear facing position and the leg members 28 are raised fromthe ground and kick; and the leg members 28 are off the ground from therear position to the front position.

FIG. 7 is a side view of still another mechanical roping apparatus ofthe present invention. In FIG. 7, the mechanical roping apparatus 70includes two skids, skid 72 a (shown) and another skid (not shown); theanimal assembly 74; which has a front, a rear, and a frame 76, and towhich the skids are attached or with which the skids are integral; thetow bar 14, which is attached to or integral with the animal assembly74, and the leg members 28, which are attached to or integral with theanimal assembly 74 with optional indicia as described elsewhere hereinsuch as optional lights 30. The optional body 12 of the mechanicalroping apparatus 80 may include, e.g., the rest of the body of thesteer, removable and rotatable horns at the front of the animal assemblyallowing for different horn sizes, shapes, and angles and optionallyfront legs (not depicted).

It will be understood that any embodiment of the present invention mayinclude a mechanical roping apparatus such as those shown in FIGS. 1-4and 6-7 with a pulley system such as the pulley systems shown in FIGS.1-6 and discussed herein. It will be further understood that the pulleysystem can be driven by a wheel configured to be in contact with theground such as wheel 16 or a wheel dedicated to the pulley system. Inaddition, it will be understood that any embodiment of the presentinvention may include an indicia-actuation assembly including anindicia-actuation wheel rotatably mounted on the frame in contact withthe ground, wherein the indicia-actuation wheel is configured to rotateas the apparatus is moved over the ground; and an indicia-actuationpulley system, e.g., the pulley system 20, including a pivot 52 andquarter-circle plate 56 rotatably mounted on the pivot 52 and connectedto the indicia-actuation wheel, wherein the quarter-circle plate 56 isconfigured to rotate as the indicia-actuation wheel rotates; and anindicia-actuation switch 58 connected to the quarter-circle plate 56 andto the one or more indicia and configured to operate the one or moreindicia as the quarter-circle plate 56 rotates.

FIG. 8 is a side view of yet another mechanical roping apparatus of thepresent invention.

In FIG. 8, mechanical roping apparatus 80 includes a stand 82 and legmembers 28 attached to or integral with on the stand 82 with, optionalindicia as described elsewhere herein such as optional lights 30. Thestand 82 can be in any configuration that is stable with the leg members28 attached to or integral with the stand 82. The optional body 12 (notshown) of the mechanical roping apparatus 80 may include, e.g., the restof the body of the steer, removable and rotatable horns at the front ofthe animal assembly allowing for different horn sizes, shapes, andangles and optionally front legs (not depicted).

FIGS. 9A and 9B show exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the presentinvention that include an arena float for conditioning an arena surfaceto obtain a desired operating environment. FIG. 9A shows an arena float90 that includes a float connector 92, a float arm 94, and a leveler 96.The float connector 92 is configured to be connected to an animalassembly of the mechanical roping apparatus for practicing animal ropingsuch as one of those shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6-7 and described herein(where the mechanical roping apparatus is not shown in FIG. 9A). Thefloat arm 94 is rotatably connected to the float connector 92 at aproximate end of the float arm 94 such that the float arm 94 isconfigured to rotate in a vertical plane. The float arm 94 shownincludes one float arm segment. The leveler 96 is connected to a distalend of the float arm 94 and is configured to condition material of anarena surface (e.g., soil) ahead of the wheels or the skids of themechanical roping apparatus as it is moved on an arena surface, wherethe conditioning of the material may include but is not limited toleveling the material, smoothing the material, compacting the material,or churning the material. In one aspect, the float connector 92 is a towbar. In another aspect, the float arm 94 includes wood, metal, or acombination thereof. In another aspect, the one float arm segment isconfigured to be rotated and fixed in position to adjust a height of theleveler 96 relative to the arena surface. In another aspect, the leveler96 includes wood, metal, or a combination thereof. In another aspect,the leveler 96 includes a rake with a plurality of tines; a brush with aplurality of bristles, wires, or filaments; a blade; a smooth surface; aroughened surface; or a combination thereof.

FIG. 9B shows an arena float 90 that includes the float connector 92(not shown), the float arm 94, and the leveler 96. The float connector92 is configured to be connected to an animal assembly mechanical ropingapparatus for practicing animal roping such as one of those shown inFIGS. 1-4 and 6-7 and described herein (where the mechanical ropingapparatus is not shown in FIG. 9A). The float arm 94 is rotatablyconnected to the float connector 92 at a proximate end of the float arm94 such that the float arm 94 is configured to rotate in a verticalplane. The float arm 94 includes two or more float arm segments 94 a, 94b (where the two float arm segments 94 a, 94 b shown are representativeor two or more float arm segments and are not limiting), wherein the twoor more float arm segments 94 a, 94 b are rotatably connected insequence such that each of the two or more float arm segments 94 a, 94 bare configured to rotate in the vertical plane. The leveler 96 isconnected to a distal end of the float arm 94 and is configured tocondition material of an arena surface (e.g., soil) ahead of the wheelsor the skids of the mechanical roping apparatus as it is moved on anarena surface, where the conditioning of the material includes but isnot limited to leveling the material, smoothing the material, compactingthe material, or churning the material. In one aspect, the floatconnector 92 is a tow bar. In another aspect, the float arm 94 includeswood, metal, or a combination thereof. In another aspect, the two ormore float arm segments 94 a, 94 b are configured to be rotated andfixed in position to adjust a height of the leveler 96 relative to thearena surface. In another aspect, the two or more float arm segments 94a, 94 b are configured to be rotated and fixed to adjust an angle of theleveler 96 relative to the arena surface. In another aspect, the leveler96 includes wood, metal, or a combination thereof. In another aspect,the leveler 96 includes a rake with a plurality of tines; a brush with aplurality of bristles, wires, or filaments; a blade; a smooth surface; aroughened surface; or a combination thereof.

It will be understood that any assembly, apparatus, component, element,method step, or other item disclosed herein can be combined with anyother assembly, apparatus, component, element, method step, or otheritem disclosed herein unless such a combination is physicallyimpossible. Such combinations are considered to be within the scope ofthis invention.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises, consists essentiallyof, or consists of a mechanical roping apparatus for practicing animalroping, the apparatus comprising: an animal assembly comprising a front,a rear, a frame, and a pivot that provides an up and down motion at therear of the animal assembly to simulate a hopping motion by an animal; aleg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame and including leg membersthat are movable with respect to the frame to simulate a running motion;and an actuation assembly configured to move the leg members from aforward position when the leg members touch the ground, during a stridesuch that the leg members are in contact with the ground until theyreach a rear facing position and the leg members are raised from theground and kick; and the leg members are off the ground from the rearposition to the front position.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of a method for practicing animal ropingcomprising: providing a mechanical roping apparatus, the mechanicalroping apparatus comprising: an animal assembly comprising: a front, arear, a frame, and a pivot that provides an up and down motion at therear of the frame to simulate a hopping motion by an animal; a legassembly mounted at the rear of the frame and including one or more legmembers that are movable with respect to the animal assembly to simulatea running motion; and an actuation assembly configured to move the legmembers from a forward position when the leg members touch the ground,during a stride such that the leg members are in contact with the grounduntil they reach a rear facing position and the leg members are raisedfrom the ground and kick; and the leg members are off the ground fromthe rear position to the front position; pulling the animal assembly tosimulate the running motion of the animal; and operating the actuationassembly.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of a mechanical roping apparatus forpracticing roping of an steer, the apparatus comprising: a steerassembly comprising a front, a rear, a frame, and a pivot that providesan up and down motion at the rear of the steer assembly to simulate ahopping motion by a steer; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of theframe and including leg members that are movable with respect to theframe to simulate a running motion; an actuation assembly configured tomove the leg members from a forward position when the leg members touchthe ground, during a stride such that the leg members are in contactwith the ground until they reach a rear facing position and the legmembers are raised from the ground and kick; and the leg members are offthe ground from the rear position to the front position; and a wheelassembly positioned at the front of the animal assembly in contact withthe ground, and 2, 3, or 4 or more wheels are positioned to the right,left, or both of a longitudinal centerline of the steer assembly.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of a mechanical roping apparatus forpracticing animal roping, the apparatus comprising: a stand; a legassembly mounted on the stand and including leg members that are movablewith respect to the stand to simulate a running motion; and stand andincluding leg members that are movable with respect to the stand tosimulate a running motion; and an actuation assembly configured to movethe leg members from a forward position when the leg members touch theground, during a stride such that the leg members are in contact withthe ground until they reach a rear facing position and the leg membersare raised from the ground and kick; and the leg members are off theground from the rear position to the front position.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of an animal assembly comprising a front, arear, and a frame; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame andincluding leg members; and 2, 3, or 4 or more wheels or skids positionedto the right, left, or both of a longitudinal centerline of the animalassembly.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of a stand; and a leg assembly mounted onthe stand and including leg members.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of a method for practicing animal ropingcomprising: an animal assembly comprising a front, a rear, and a frame;a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame and including animalassembly leg members; and 2, 3, or 4 or more wheels or skids positionedto the right, left, or both of a longitudinal centerline of the animalassembly; or a stand and a leg assembly mounted on the stand andincluding stand leg members; and practicing roping the animal assemblyleg members or the stand leg members.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of a mechanical roping apparatus forpracticing animal roping including an animal assembly including a front,a rear, and a frame; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the animalassembly-and including leg members; one or more indicia selected from avibrational cue carried by a user, a visual cue, or an auditory cue,wherein the one or more indicia are configured to indicate to the user aproper time to rope a leg member using proper roping technique; two ormore wheels or skids positioned to the right, left, or both of alongitudinal centerline of the animal assembly; and an arena floatconnected to the animal assembly, the arena float including a floatconnector connected to the animal assembly; a float arm rotatablyconnected to the float connector at a proximate end of the float armsuch that the float arm is configured to rotate in a vertical plane, thefloat arm including one float arm segment or two or more float armsegments, wherein the two or more float arm segments are rotatablyconnected in sequence such that each of the two or more float armsegments are configured to rotate in the vertical plane; and a levelerconnected to a distal end of the float arm and configured to conditionmaterial of an arena surface ahead of the wheels or the skids. In oneaspect, the float connector is a tow bar. In another aspect, the floatarm includes wood, metal, or a combination thereof. In another aspect,the one float arm segment or the two or more float arm segments areconfigured to be rotated and fixed in position to adjust a height of theleveler relative to the arena surface. In another aspect, the two ormore float arm segments are configured to be rotated and fixed to adjustan angle of the leveler relative to the arena surface. In anotheraspect, the leveler includes wood, metal, or a combination thereof. Inanother aspect, the leveler includes a rake with a plurality of tines; abrush with a plurality of bristles, wires, or filaments; a blade; asmooth surface; a roughened surface; or a combination thereof In anotheraspect, the leveler is connected rotatably to the float arm andconfigured to roll over the arena surface as the apparatus is moved onthe arena surface. In another aspect, the apparatus further includes anindicia-actuation assembly including an indicia-actuation wheelrotatably mounted on the frame in contact with the ground, wherein theindicia-actuation wheel is configured to rotate as the apparatus ismoved over the ground; an indicia-actuation pulley system including apivot and quarter-circle plate rotatably mounted on the pivot andconnected to the indicia-actuation wheel, wherein the quarter-circleplate is configured to rotate as the indicia-actuation wheel rotates;and an indicia-actuation switch connected to the quarter-circle plateand to the one or more indicia and configured to operate the one or moreindicia as the quarter-circle plate rotates.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of a leveler kit including an arena floatconfigured to be connected to a mechanical roping apparatus, the arenafloat including a float arm rotatably connected to the float connectorat a proximate end of the float arm such that the float arm isconfigured to rotate in a vertical plane, the float arm including onefloat arm segment or two or more float arm segments, wherein the two ormore float arm segments are configured to be rotatably connected insequence such that each of the two or more float arm segments areconfigured to rotate in the vertical plane; and a leveler configured tobe connected to a distal end of the float arm and configured tocondition material of an arena surface ahead of the wheels or the skids;and one or more fasteners configured to connect the float arm to a floatconnector of a mechanical roping apparatus, to connect the two or morefloat arm segments in sequence, or to connect the leveler to the floatarm. In one aspect, the float arm includes wood, metal, or a combinationthereof. In another aspect, the one float arm segment or the two or morefloat arm segments are configured to be rotated and fixed in position toadjust a height of the leveler relative to the arena surface. In anotheraspect, the two or more float arm segments are configured to be rotatedand fixed to adjust an angle of the leveler relative to the arenasurface. In another aspect, the leveler includes wood, metal, or acombination thereof. In another aspect, the leveler includes a rake witha plurality of tines; a brush with a plurality of bristles, wires, orfilaments; a blade; a smooth surface; a roughened surface; or acombination thereof. In another aspect, the leveler is connectedrotatably to the float arm and configured to roll over the arena surfaceas the apparatus is moved on the arena surface. In another aspect, thekit further includes the float connector, wherein the float connector isconfigured to be connected to the mechanical roping apparatus and to theproximate end of the float arm.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of a method of conditioning an arena surfacefor a mechanical roping apparatus, the method including providing the amechanical roping apparatus for practicing animal roping including ananimal assembly including a front, a rear, and a frame; a leg assemblymounted at the rear of the animal assembly-and including leg members;one or more indicia selected from a vibrational cue carried by a user, avisual cue, or an auditory cue, wherein the one or more indicia areconfigured to indicate to the user a proper time to rope a leg memberusing proper roping technique; two or more wheels or skids positioned tothe right, left, or both of a longitudinal centerline of the animalassembly; providing an arena float connected to the animal assembly, thearena float including a float connector connected to the animalassembly; a float arm rotatably connected to the float connector at aproximate end of the float arm such that the float arm is configured torotate in a vertical plane, the float arm including one float armsegment or two or more float arm segments, wherein the two or more floatarm segments are rotatably connected in sequence such that each of thetwo or more float arm segments are configured to rotate in the verticalplane; and a leveler connected to a distal end of the float arm andconfigured to condition material of an arena surface ahead of the wheelsor the skids; connecting the arena float to the mechanical ropingapparatus; adjusting the height, angle, or both of the leveler relativeto the arena surface to contact the arena surface; and moving themechanical roping apparatus on the arena surface, thereby conditioningthe arena surface with the leveler. In one aspect, the float connectoris a tow bar. In another aspect, the float arm includes wood, metal, ora combination thereof In another aspect, the one float arm segment orthe two or more float arm segments are configured to be rotated andfixed in position to adjust a height of the leveler relative to thearena surface. In another aspect, the two or more float arm segments areconfigured to be rotated and fixed to adjust an angle of the levelerrelative to the arena surface. In another aspect, the leveler includeswood, metal, or a combination thereof. In another aspect, the levelerincludes a rake with a plurality of tines; a brush with a plurality ofbristles, wires, or filaments; a blade; a smooth surface; a roughenedsurface; or a combination thereof. In another aspect, the leveler isconnected rotatably to the float arm and configured to roll over thearena surface as the apparatus is moved on the arena surface.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of a mechanical roping apparatus forpracticing animal roping including an animal assembly including a front,a rear, and a frame; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the animalassembly-and including leg members; one or more indicia selected from avibrational cue carried by a user, a visual cue, or an auditory cue,wherein the one or more indicia are configured to indicate to the user aproper time to rope a leg member using proper roping technique; two ormore wheels or skids positioned to the right, left, or both of alongitudinal centerline of the animal assembly; and an indicia-actuationassembly including an indicia-actuation wheel rotatably mounted on theframe in contact with the ground, wherein the indicia-actuation wheel isconfigured to rotate as the apparatus is moved over the ground; anindicia-actuation pulley system including a pivot and quarter-circleplate rotatably mounted on the pivot and connected to theindicia-actuation wheel, wherein the quarter-circle plate is configuredto rotate as the indicia-actuation wheel rotates; and anindicia-actuation switch connected to the quarter-circle plate and tothe one or more indicia and configured to operate the one or moreindicia as the quarter-circle plate rotates.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, orcomposition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositionsof the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein areshown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention.The principal features of this invention can be employed in variousembodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no morethan routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specificprocedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to bewithin the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specificationare indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art towhich this invention pertains. All publications and patent applicationsare herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if eachindividual publication or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims isused to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer toalternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, althoughthe disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternativesand “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used toindicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for thedevice, the method being employed to determine the value, or thevariation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps. In embodiments of any of the compositions andmethods provided herein, “comprising” may be replaced with “consistingessentially of” or “consisting of”. As used herein, the phrase“consisting essentially of” requires the specified integer(s) or stepsas well as those that do not materially affect the character or functionof the claimed invention. As used herein, the term “consisting” is usedto indicate the presence of the recited integer (e.g., a feature, anelement, a characteristic, a property, a method/process step or alimitation) or group of integers (e.g., feature(s), element(s),characteristic(s), propertie(s), method/process steps or limitation(s))only.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to allpermutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term.For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to includeat least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is importantin a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB.Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations thatcontain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC,AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan willunderstand that typically there is no limit on the number of items orterms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

As used herein, words of approximation such as, without limitation,“about”, “substantial” or “substantially” refers to a condition thatwhen so modified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfectbut would be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in theart to warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent towhich the description may vary will depend on how great a change can beinstituted and still have one of ordinary skilled in the art recognizethe modified feature as still having the required characteristics andcapabilities of the unmodified feature. In general, but subject to thepreceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modified by aword of approximation such as “about” may vary from the stated value byat least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.

All of the apparatuses and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein canbe made and executed without undue experimentation in light of thepresent disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this inventionhave been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will beapparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied tothe compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence ofsteps of the method described herein without departing from the concept,spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes andmodifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to bewithin the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mechanical roping apparatus for practicinganimal roping comprising: an animal assembly comprising a front, a rear,and a frame; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the animalassembly-and including leg members; one or more indicia selected from avibrational cue carried by a user, a visual cue, or an auditory cue,wherein the one or more indicia are configured to indicate to the user aproper time to rope a leg member using proper roping technique; two ormore wheels or skids positioned to the right, left, or both of alongitudinal centerline of the animal assembly; and an arena floatconnected to the animal assembly, the arena float comprising: a floatconnector connected to the animal assembly; a float arm rotatablyconnected to the float connector at a proximate end of the float armsuch that the float arm is configured to rotate in a vertical plane, thefloat arm comprising one float arm segment or two or more float armsegments, wherein the two or more float arm segments are rotatablyconnected in sequence such that each of the two or more float armsegments are configured to rotate in the vertical plane; and a levelerconnected to a distal end of the float arm and configured to conditionmaterial of an arena surface ahead of the wheels or the skids.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the float connector is a tow bar.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the float arm comprises wood, metal, or acombination thereof.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one floatarm segment or the two or more float arm segments are configured to berotated and fixed in position to adjust a height of the leveler relativeto the arena surface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two ormore float arm segments are configured to be rotated and fixed to adjustan angle of the leveler relative to the arena surface.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the leveler comprises wood, metal, or a combinationthereof.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the leveler comprises arake with a plurality of tines; a brush with a plurality of bristles,wires, or filaments; a blade; a smooth surface; a roughened surface; ora combination thereof.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the leveleris connected rotatably to the float arm and configured to roll over thearena surface as the apparatus is moved on the arena surface.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an indicia-actuation assemblycomprising: an indicia-actuation wheel rotatably mounted on the frame incontact with the ground, wherein the indicia-actuation wheel isconfigured to rotate as the apparatus is moved over the ground; anindicia-actuation pulley system comprising a pivot and quarter-circleplate rotatably mounted on the pivot and connected to theindicia-actuation wheel, wherein the quarter-circle plate is configuredto rotate as the indicia-actuation wheel rotates; and anindicia-actuation switch connected to the quarter-circle plate and tothe one or more indicia and configured to operate the one or moreindicia as the quarter-circle plate rotates.
 10. A leveler kitcomprising: an arena float configured to be connected to a mechanicalroping apparatus, the arena float comprising: a float arm configured tobe rotatably connected to the float connector at a proximate end of thefloat arm such that the float arm is configured to rotate in a verticalplane, the float arm comprising one float arm segment or two or morefloat arm segments, wherein the two or more float arm segments areconfigured to be rotatably connected in sequence such that each of thetwo or more float arm segments are configured to rotate in the verticalplane; and a leveler configured to be connected to a distal end of thefloat arm and configured to condition material of an arena surface aheadof the wheels or the skids; and one or more fasteners configured toconnect the float arm to a float connector of a mechanical ropingapparatus, to connect the two or more float arm segments in sequence, orto connect the leveler to the float arm.
 11. The kit of claim 10,wherein the leveler comprises a rake with a plurality of tines; a brushwith a plurality of bristles, wires, or filaments; a blade; or aroughened surface.
 12. The kit of claim 10, wherein the leveler isconnected rotatably to the float arm and configured to roll over thearena surface as the apparatus is moved on the arena surface.
 13. Thekit of claim 10, further comprising the float connector, wherein thefloat connector is configured to be connected to the mechanical ropingapparatus and to the proximate end of the float arm.
 14. A method ofconditioning an arena surface for a mechanical roping apparatus, themethod comprising: providing the mechanical roping apparatus comprising:an animal assembly comprising a front, a rear, and a frame; a legassembly mounted at the rear of the animal assembly-and including legmembers; one or more indicia selected from a vibrational cue carried bya user, a visual cue, or an auditory cue, wherein the one or moreindicia are configured to indicate to the user a proper time to rope aleg member using proper roping technique; and two or more wheels orskids positioned to the right, left, or both of a longitudinalcenterline of the animal assembly; providing an arena float comprising:a float connector connected to the animal assembly; a float armrotatably connected to the float connector at a proximate end of thefloat arm such that the float arm is configured to rotate in a verticalplane, the float arm comprising one float arm segment or two or morefloat arm segments, wherein the two or more float arm segments arerotatably connected in sequence such that each of the two or more floatarm segments are configured to rotate in the vertical plane; and aleveler connected to a distal end of the float arm and configured tocondition material of an arena surface ahead of the wheels or the skids;connecting the arena float to the mechanical roping apparatus; adjustingthe height, angle, or both of the leveler relative to the arena surfaceto contact the arena surface; and moving the mechanical roping apparatuson the arena surface, thereby conditioning the arena surface with theleveler.